Consider the need to find a long-term linebacker addressed in Round 4 by the Houston Texans.
After trading down from pick No. 117, the Texans added another ACC standout in Clemson’s Wade Woodaz at pick No. 123. A two-year starter for the Tigers’ defense under Dabo Sweeney, Woodaz had 70 tackles, seven for loss and three pass deflections in his final year for the Tigers. Over the past two seasons, the 6-foot-3 linebacker netted 17 tackles for loss and over 110 stops.
“Fast, physical and violent,” Woodaz told reporters when asked to describe his style of play.
Initially, it looked like the Texans were interested in drafting Miami defensive back Keionte Scott at pick No. 117, but he went off the board a pick earlier to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After moving down, Houston picked up an extra sixth-round pick.
During his interview with the media, Woodaz mentioned that Houston had been in on him from the jump, conducting a formal meeting at the NFL scouting combine and follow-up work on campus ahead of the draft.
“I always just heard a lot of chatter about people talking to the Texans about me,” Woodaz said. “I knew that they wanted to find out more about me. Early on, I was in pretty good contact with them. I think it really clicked.”
The Texans could use him as a depth piece for a year since they have Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o and E.J. Speed in the lineup. But next season could be huge for Woodaz’s growth since the first two linebackers could be hitting free agency after their contract expire this offseason.
Right now, Woodaz just wants to make an impact in any capacity for the league’s No. 1 defense.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans land standout Clemson LB Wade Woodaz at pick No. 117
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
